Inside Scoop – March 2010

Authors abound in our group and lots of NPC member chimed in this month talking about new books, NY Times interviews, upcoming movies and even finished road projects.

Board secretary Sandy Lender spent a very profitable weekend in Pensacola. She pitched a novel to an editor at Kensington who requested the full manuscript; and also pitched a Young Adult sci-fi/fantasy novel to a NY agent who requested the first 30 pages and full synopsis.

Donna Jane Mills is still whirling. Since her NY Times story appeared on March 7th she has been interviewed by newspapers in St. Petersburg and Fort Myers. And, she just had a book review published in the February issue of the New York Journal of Books. The book “Red Legs and Black Sox” by Susan Dellinger, of Tampa, is being considered for a movie. Donna says “I need some time-out so I can get back to work on my next book.”

Maureen Sullivan-Hartung points out that NPC member Lila Zuck also has a book on the 60th Anniversary of the Swamp Buggy Races. The book, “Naples Oldest Tradition, Swamp Buggy Days”, and Lila will be at the upcoming April 10-11th Naples Authors & Books Festival (see additional article).

Our PR person, and board member, Lorraine Ladish, is writing her 16th book, to be published in Spain, on dating in midlife. At the same time she is waiting for an answer on a book called “Mediterranean Spice for a Balanced Life” for the U.S. market. She also just finished a seminar entitled “Success Diaries”: How to journal your way to a successful mindset in challenging times.” This busy Mom’s secret: She doesn’t watch TV and tries to take a siesta whenever possible.

President, Donna Fiala puts on her Commissioner’s cap to tell us that: the Goodland Boat Ramp Park is expected to be finished by the end of June; coyotes are attacking and eating pets on the Isles of Capri; and this summer should see the opening of the Santa Barbara Extension from Davis Blvd. to Rattlesnake Rd. The six-lane roadway will have 12 ft. travel lanes, and 6 ft. sidewalks, street lighting and on-road bike lanes.

A wrap on the recent March Luncheon from my point of view: Jim Lehrer

was delightful, telling stories about his Marine days, and his broadcast journalist adventures. He certainly doesn’t look his age-76. NPC had almost 50 members in attendance, to “Honor The Free Press Day.”

Good to see some of the NPC “old guard “at the recent Young Journalists luncheon: Johnny Nocera, former city councilman and his wife Mary, and Olga Hirschorn were welcomed.

Natural Awakenings, a mind-body-spirit magazine established in SWFL in 1994, will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, here, as well as in 70 communities across the US, as well as Puerto Rico and Toronto. NPC member Alison Chabonais serves as the national editor. Learn more about this holistic enterprise at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.